6/3/09

Possible Mets 2nd Pick (3rd Rd.) - RHP - Keyvius Sampson




Keyvius Sampson –

Forest HS; Ocala, FL. 6′1, 180… fastball in 90-92 range… has hit 95… excellent mechanics… curve in mid-60s.. committed to FSU…

5/27: BA Draft Tracker: Athletic with three-pitch mix pushing him into first 2 rounds…

5-29 John Sickles: Keyvius Sampson: Florida HS: STRENGTHS: Athleticism, 90-93 MPH fastball, curveball and changeup show potential. WEAKNESSES: Mechanics and command need work, general high school pitcher risk, Florida State commitment could raise price tag, velocity is inconsistent, smallish at 6-1, 180.. PROJECTION: Has been mentioned anywhere from the supplemental round into the third or fourth round, but if he falls too far college will beckon.

Fr. http://www.perfectgame.org/ - Keyvius Sampson is a 2009 RHP/OF with a 6'1'', 185 lb. frame from Ocala, FL who attends Forest HS. Sampson is a very athletic RHP. He uses a 3/4 arm angle and a fast arm as his fastball works in the low nineties and topped out at 93 mph in the Metrodome. He stays online in his delivery and locates his fastball very well. He has more than just a fastball as he compliments his low 90's heat with good curveball with bite and also a change up. He projects well with his electric arm and athleticism and it wouldn't be surprising to see Keyvius in the upper 90s some day. He also shows ability at the plate and made solid line drive contact. One of the top 2009 arms. Aflac All American

Fr. http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/ - Ocala Forest High School righty Keyvius Sampson came into the spring ranked #30 overall for the 2009 draft by PGCrosschecker.com. Committed to Florida State University, scouts have also been hot on his trail.

I drove up to northern Florida to watch Sampson pitch on Friday night. Forest High School is tucked away in a forested area of Ocala, about nine miles off of I-75. A beautiful high school with a stunning baseball/softball complex, it provided an ideal setting to watch one of the nation’s top pitchers.

I’d seen Sampson before at various showcase and summer tournaments like our annual WWBA event in Jupiter. But this was my first look at him with his high school team.

In the bullpen, it was obvious Sampson has a very quick arm. He’s loose and long in the back with a mild amount of shoulder strain. He doesn’t rock back to generate momentum; his shoulders are level to the ground throughout his delivery and he lands slightly across his body throwing from a high three-quarter slot.

Sampson’s body is very athletic looking, but it is not a typical pitcher’s body. The closest major league comparison that I could come up with (and that other scouts agreed on) was Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt. Aside from being African-American and probably two inches taller (Sampson appears a little over 6-0, 180, while Oswalt is most likely 5-10 despite being listed 6-0), they fill out a uniform much the same. Sampson has a small waist but is well-built in the hips and has sturdy but slender legs. His upper-half is lanky.

No comments: